God’s love

What We Need More of in 2018

What We Need More of in 2018

Isn’t it interesting how words come to mean something?

Like “Babe,” for instance. When I was little it meant a tiny infant. When the movie came out, it meant a pig. And when you get married and hear it from your hubby’s lips, it means you!

Somewhere along the way “grace” has gotten a reputation for being soft and comfortable — kind of like being snuggled by so many adorable puppies.

But grace is much more than that – especially when she travels with her favorite companion, Truth.

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Posted by Janna Wright in What God Is Really Like
How God Really Feels About You

How God Really Feels About You

You know the verse. You probably even memorized it as a kid.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NIV)

Have you ever struggled to wrap your head around, much less believe, that kind of love?

What makes “God loves me” so hard to grasp, even for believers?

Often our definition of love is too shallow. Our minds can’t fathom what it’s like to be loved that much. And we miss another key factor . . . Continue reading →

Posted by Janna Wright in What God Is Really Like
what if god is okay with you today

what if god is okay with you today

What if God’s okay with who you are today?

No, really. I mean what if He’s absolutely, 100% okay with you right this second, believer?

What if He’s not sitting up there tsk, tsk-ing and shaking His head, muttering “Sure wish she’d get this lesson so we could move on”?

What if instead He’s gazing down on you in love, saying to His nearest archangel, “Hey, did you see that kiddo of mine down there? Boy, do I love her! She’s fabulous. And look at her with my Son in her – she can do ANYTHING. I can’t help smiling this wide when I think about her.” Continue reading →

Posted by Janna Wright in Discovering My True Identity, grace changes everything, 0 comments
the one thing that makes Christianity unique

the one thing that makes Christianity unique

If you’ve spent much time in Christianity at all, you’ve heard about grace. But, did you know just how incredible this concept is and what an irreplaceable part of the Christian faith?

Grace = unique to Christian faith

Once there was a large conference where religious experts from all over the world gathered to debate what belief is unique to Christianity. They were hoping to find what single truth sets the Christian faith apart from others. Or if that single piece even exists.

As the experts debated, they threw out some possibilities. Incarnation? No, other religions have gods appearing as humans. Perhaps resurrection? Again this was overruled since several religions claim someone coming back from the dead.

The intriguing discussion continued until C.S. Lewis entered the room inquiring, “What’s the rumpus about?” The experts shared that they were comparing Christianity’s unique contribution to other religions of the world.

“Oh, that’s easy. It’s grace,” Lewis replied.

The debaters discussed for a while and had to agree.

” The notion of God’s love coming to us free of charge, no strings attached, seems to go against every instinct of humanity. The Buddhist eight-fold path, the Hindu doctrine of karma, the Jewish covenant, and the Muslim code of law – each of these offers a way to earn approval. Only Christianity dares to make God’s love unconditional.”*

Love that makes you want to shout

C. S. Lewis’s insight and quick reply intrigued me. To think that the entire Christian faith is built on a foundation no other belief system in the world has. The truth is that God loves us and showers us with grace despite what we’ve done. No matter who we’ve been and regardless of what we deserve, God lavishes His love and grace on us.

god loves you - gracethread

Not only before salvation, my grace friends, but as believers too. God gives His love and grace to us freely and abundantly.  Doesn’t that make you wanna cheer? Hmm, maybe I will.

GOD’S GRACE! GOD’S GRACE! GOD’S GRACE!

Today let’s you and me bask in God’s unchanging grace and un-earnable love and  see if it doesn’t fill our hearts to overflowing.

 

*P.S. I first encountered this story in Philip Yancey’s book, What’s So Amazing About Grace?.

Posted by Janna Wright in grace changes everything, What God Is Really Like, 0 comments
surprised by truth in the middle of a movie

surprised by truth in the middle of a movie

I do love a good movie. Give me a bowl of popcorn and a sappy, boy-meets-girl-and-overcome-impossible-odds-to-live-happily-ever-after, and I’m quite happy.

But, I don’t normally expect deep truth there. Until last night when I almost fell off the love seat after hearing:

You’re hoping that when you finally find the courage to trust that your father never stopped loving you, and you tear open that pain you’ve been carrying around, there’s forgiveness inside.

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Posted by Janna Wright in grace changes everything, 0 comments